Words of Jesus Podcast

"This is who I want you to be." The process of salvation, of being born-again, is more than a matter of mental assent to the existence of God or of accepting Jesus of Nazareth. We are lost, selfish, unregenerate people. Our mission is to change. The sixth commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill." Wait, there’s more. We must do the works of God to and for our neighbors and our brothers. Jesus reveals...

Don't settle. It's easy to read the Bible. It's even easier to presume what is written while relying on professionals or books and movies about the Bible. Jesus said, "Keep my commandments and Dad and I will move in and lead and guide you." Follow the instructions of Jesus to HEAR the Word of God. "For the word of God  is  quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, pierci...

Do the right thing for the right reason every time in every area of life. It makes a difference. We must be better than our enemies. There are consequences for being irresponsible. There are rewards for righteousness. We think: "[We are] rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;  [Jesus says,] ...knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor,...

THEME: The Sermon on the Mount. "Things are not like you think they are." "…[B]ut, I [Messiah] say... ["you're not even close"] - that's why I came. Jesus came to make correction in our doctrine and to make a way for mankind to be reconciled to God. The last prophet was John the Baptist. John's message was "Repent [Change] for the Kingdom of God is at hand." Messiah came as forecast since the days...

Church doctrine has given us the wrong idea about salvation and our Savior. King Jesus is not hiding in the corner. Jesus said, "strive to enter" into the Kingdom of God. We are expected to work out our salvation; to elevate our light; to be a witness to the world, Don't compromise to avoid persecution. Jesus said to "worry when all men speak well of you." We should expect persecution - "a servant...

Believe what you want (i.e. trinity, going to heaven when you die), but don't say it's in the Bible. It isn't. Have you read the Scriptures? Ever? Lately? Many things modern Christians believe are based on tradition or songs. Look it up. Our God, Jesus, says it is our job to follow Him. This path is narrow and unpopular - it leads to personal persecution. And, perhaps sometimes it leads to to the...

The result of false doctrines (i.e., God sits at the end of time knowing all things; waiting for everything to turn out the way He always knew they would) and abundant Bibles creates a sense of familiarity. We overlook the incredible wisdom and instruction of Jesus to our peril.  The Sermon on the Mount is literally the musings, the teachings of the Son of God - endorsed by YHVH from the heav...

When we receive Christ (think of the example of Mary), we receive seeds of potential. We are given rewards for nurturing and bringing forth fruit. We are given "the power to become..." Jesus said, "Who is my mother? . . . whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Remember Job? Relax. Troubles give us the opportunity to become the...

"It's not like you think..." Jesus came to teach his people; to be received by his people. The Scriptures and Jesus reveal a gospel we have not known. The Beatitudes in Matthew are based on 'state of mind', 'condition of soul', 'state of being', i.e., “Who we are.”  Luke states, "woe, woe, woe" indicating a certain expectation of judgment. “It’s not like you think." Grace (unmerited favor) be...

Jesus does not care what we believe, nor will judgment consist of a "belief test." Saying, "I believe in Jesus" does not mean it's so. Jesus asked, "Why do you call me Lord and not do what I say?" Our daily actions reveal what we believe. The life and death (atonement) of Jesus does not remove the fact that we will one day judged for our actions. Jesus expects faith-and-works or works-and-faith fr...

THE FAME of Jesus spread so widely that great numbers came to see him from all over the countryside. Seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up into a mountain. There he sat down; and when his disciples came to him, he taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they will inher...

Compiled by Don Harris (Plain English): The Gospel accounts of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew, Mark and Luke. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set and he lifted up his eyes on his disciples that came unto him, he opened his mouth and taught them saying, Blessed are you poor and poor in spirit: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger...

Jesus had compassion on the people. Throughout the ministry of Christ, he continued to meet the needs of people. When John the Baptist was murdered, Jesus reacted not with thoughts of revenge or retribution, but the Scriptures record Jesus was 'moved with compassion.' Jesus recognized his original plan of 'saving Israel' was not working. *** Chapter 21:  Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son (Part 1)...

The Pharisees side-stepped the question of the authority of Jesus; however, the Centurion recognized and embraced His obvious authority.   “Speak the word…you don’t need to come.”  There appears an unexpected divergence during the ministry of Jesus.  The people expected to receive Jesus rejected him; the heathens and sinners accepted him.  This is our warning.  The an...

There was an expectation among the Jewish people and the religious leaders that “things would change when Messiah came.” Age-old disputes would be settled; the temple would be needed no longer: salvation would come through faith and works, not DNA; Messiah would reign as King and Priest. The law of mercy and not sacrifice would be instituted. Sounds good, right? Yes, until your job is on the line....

"For [Pharisees] bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Jesus came to abolish the statutes and ordinances which were added to the law. Most first century Jews, in fact many present-day Jews have an understanding that the temple will no longer be required after Messiah came. *** Chapt...

It is often reported that the Sabbath was not kept by New Testament Christians. Not only was the seventh-day Sabbath observed by Jesus' disciples, but declared Sabbaths of the Feasts were kept as well. The most important event in the timeline of mankind, the death of Jesus, did not stop the women who wanted to care for his body from keeping the Sabbath Commandment. Read it. However, the fear of ju...

The Scriptures testify of Jesus. Prophets come and go (often martyred) and their clear message goes unheeded. Have courage to personally investigate ideas and dogma inherited from family and professional leadership. Keep the commandments. Take time every day to hear the Word of God. Never, ever violate your conscience. Communication will increase. Believe in Jesus. *** Chapter 16. JESUS DECLARES H...

Has Jesus accepted you? Christians must believe-in-Jesus. This is not referring to mental assent or acknowledgement that Jesus is the Son of God. Belief means action. If we believe Jesus is who he claims to be, we will do everything he says to do; we will search the Scripture to learn of his ways; we will implement his ways in our life. It is our duty to do whatever we can do to prove to God that...

The authority and principals of the Kingdom of God were illustrated throughout the ministry of Jesus. The people rejoiced.  However, the religious leaders were so saturated with preconceived ideas, that though Jesus stood in front of them performing miracles, he was rejected.  Jesus says, "I bear witness to the truth; John the Baptist bare witness of me; my works bear witness of me."&nbs...

Jesus was accused of being a sinner because religious leaders alleged he broke the Sabbath commandment. However, violation of religious expectations, traditions or dogma is not sin. Sin is a violation of the Law (the big ten). Jesus always obeyed His Father and never violated His law. The hierarchy in the Kingdom of God is continually illustrated. The Father (YHVH) is in control. The son of God, J...

The obedience of Jesus and the-work-of-the-Father caused Jesus’ actions stand out. Jesus spoke with authority and "not as the Scribes".  He did not follow the practices of the Pharisees or other man-made sects.  Jesus obeyed His Father, YHVH.  The works of Jesus made his position obvious to the religious leadership, the people and the government. The Scriptures record “For [Pilot] k...

Sounds easy, right? It is easy. You just have to give up your right to do as you please. Religion added many traditions, fences, even indulgencies, to interpret the Will-of-God. Jesus came to remove the barriers caused by rebellion and religion to restore the relationship between man and God. Relationships require time and commitment even in the kingdom of God. We can come to God as-we-are and be...

"The least you can do is pray.” Is that right? The Eternal God is not subject to our wishes or demands. Scriptures say, 'The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.' We must live in a manner to hear the voice of God to have the wisdom to pray. Jesus always acted in obedience to his Father. We should follow His example. *** Wilt Thou Be Made Whole (Part 4) CHAPTER 15:  JESU...

Honesty is a rare commodity. Do you want to be made whole? It's a serious question. Infirmity can become an identity with distinction. There are limitations and perhaps discomforts, but after many years there are reduced demands in life. "I'm handicapped" is a great excuse; "I'm whole" restores a flood of responsibilities - and expectations. Obedience and faith is required to become "little Christ...